Can I get a witness for how AMAZING Austin is for families? Seriously, there isn’t a day that goes by where I’m not hearing about a new restaurant (my prerequisites are margaritas and playgrounds), a hiking trail, a jump house, a concert or just some super fun thing to do with my kid. I don’t know about you, but my little is not the sit and color type, or the play by himself type, (actually, neither am I).. we are the field trip type, and for the last year we’ve been on team #nonap so we’ve had AMPLE time to explore.
Here are my (and a few of my mama friends up North) favorite new spots to visit with your littles:
- The HIVE: This is a coworking spot+cafe that also offers child supervision. If leaving your kiddos is not what you need, there is ample indoor and outdoor space to meet your mama tribe for a coffee, or a glass of wine and let them play. Also, DRIVE THRU is coming this summer (because who needs to unload the whole crew, when you just need a latte?)
- The COOP: This is a “play cafe” with free wifi, great espresso, and a clean safe environment to let your littles roam and explore. They also host parties! Located in central Austin. Monthly membership required, perfect for the work from home mama.
- Cosmic Coffee+Beer: This place is the best. Located off of South Congress, this open area spot offers plenty of room for littles to run wild, a chicken coup, a fish pond, picnic tables, food trucks to die for, and a full coffee menu, beer and cocktail selection, and is located right across from our other favorite spot, CRUX climbing gym (which offers indoor climbing for ages 3+…my boy just scaled the 40 foot wall on Sunday, it was awesome.)
- Rudys BBQ: While it’s not “new,” the playground is. Grab some of the best BBQ in town, and head out back to the huge enclosed playground area, and large open space grassy area to throw or kick a ball, sword fight or catch fireflies. With climbable trees, and sausage that even my picky toddler will eat, it’s one of our weekly dinner spots.
- Almost Grown Play Cafe: Another play cafe, this one in Dripping Springs. Healthy snacks+ drinks for mama and littles and FULL espresso bar for mama. Free wifi, and a nominal entry fee for the day. They also host parties, seminars and weekly educational classes.
- Epic Fun: (scheduled to open in May 2018) This place boasts bumper cars, laser tag, a ropes course, mini bowling, food and fun for the entire family. This does sound EPIC.
- Austin Ninjas: The brainchild of local mama, this is Austins first “American ninja warrior” obstacle course gym . They host classes and parties. Ages 5+, and this place is amazing.
- Cuba 512: Best authentic Cuban food in Austin, and they just SPLIT their restaurant to devote half to family dining. In this half of the restaurant, there is an enclosed pay area with toys, bright colors, coloring and a TV, and there is NO amount of noise that will disrupt the other patrons, because you’re on the FAMILY side of the restaurant, isnt this genius? By the way, GET THE CEVICHE.
- Clarksville Splash Pad: While this isn’t “new” it’s hidden, so I’m including it…and it’s the FIRST splash pad of the year to open near me, so it’s officially my favorite. Hidden in a little neighborhood, and located directly adjacent to the bathrooms and the playground, this is the jam.
- The Austin Public Library : Central : Y’all this place is amazing. This wonderful new addition to the already incredible library selection in Austin boasts amazing architecture, a warm + safe environment, a BEAUTIFUL and clean kids area, story times and is conveniently located near Flower Child, which has the best kombucha on the planet.
Hope to run into ALL of you, at one of these places.
Happy Field-tripping mama!
xo.
